Molecular biology of 5-HT receptors

Abstract

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is probably unique among the monoamines in that its effects are mediated by as many as 13 distinct G protein-coupled receptors and several ligand-gated ion channels (5-HT3). These receptors are divided into seven distinct classes (5-HT1 to 5-HT7) largely on the basis of their structural, transductional and operational characteristics. While this degree of physical diversity clearly underscores the physiological importance of serotonin, evidence for an even greater degree of operational diversity continues to emerge.